I'm confused. The pros here all say to never use a dimmer to power anything with a power supply; only use a relay. But ETC says this:
http://www.etcconnect.com/Support/Articles/Non-Dim-vs-Switched-Mode---Regulated-vs--Unregulated.aspx
In fact, my system was installed by a well-known and respected company with direct supervision and assistance from an ETC rep. All of my movers (HES SSpots and SColors) and LEDs (Selador classics and Desires) are powered by Sensor D20AF modules in switched mode. Again, this was done by professionals under the watch of an ETC rep. I'm not saying it's not, but if it's really that big of an issue, why would this equipment be installed this way by the company who designed and manufactured it?
The OP was asking for a way to change the patch in the ION. The post from ETC is saying that you should change the settings at the dimmer rack so that the dimmer only outputs a certain kind of power.
...which is why I said it didn't make sense.
I've looked for this elsewhere, but I'm still wondering about the actual mechanics of how the dimmers affect the power will disrupt/destroy certain equipment. I know it has to do with how the SCR dimmer changes the sine wave of the AC power, but I've never been able to find out why that's a bad thing for wall warts et al.
I was just reading this post and now I think I have to go change 2 of my VL3000 spot movers to wall power, but we are mighty short on outlets here. The others are already run to wall power. I have run constant power by profiling the dimmers in the Ion before, but these dimmers are Strand, not ETC, so probably it's not worth the risk. However, the shop that sent them provided the adaptors to the 3 pin stage circuits, and not the regular AC adaptors. So I am still wondering if it would work OK.
The Vari-Lite spec sheet for the VL3000 Spot states it will run on " 200– 264 VAC, 50/60 HZ" .
So how are you powering these ?
Christie lights has a decent explanation here:
http://www.christielitessales.com/service_library/ETC/Switched_or_Non.pdf
One thing that I'm not sure about in their pdf was a comment:
"ETC Relay modules are rated for between 200,000 and 5 million
operations dependant upon load, can only switch 10A tungsten, and have a fault current rating of 10kAIC. "
10 amps max for tungston ?. Is that true ?, as I've never heard this.
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